As an opening speaker at Games For Health, I tried to do my utmost to really create something that not only indicates the theme of the conference, but is also food-for-conversation during the day. Gets things moving a bit. That connects those present. With each other, but also with what is happening in the world around us; Why does it matter that we visit ourselves together these days? Then there is relevance, urgency and willingness to explore everything possible together.

Beyond the hype

We often see hype as something negative. And a bubble, especially. But it is also part of the process of change. These are mainly signals that a major shift is imminent, but that it has yet to take shape. It is therefore also a warning that it actively demands our attention... to literally shape the change. Not only what can it do, but also why?!

The well-known hype cycle to which this congress refers seems to be a smooth, sinus-like line. But in reality, it is a representation of two colliding icebergs, two worlds: existing and new. That's not an easy task, so after the initial hype comes what they call the "disappointment phase". And that is exactly the phase where our work really begins. That's where you build the bridges from idea to impact.

Innovation is not a project; it is always a transition. A 'break' in habits. A kind of rite of passage. In indigenous cultures, these phase shifts are captured in rituals to reflect on them. So that we can value it. In modern societies, we are more likely to talk about projects, milestones and disruptions. But there is also something in capturing it not only in terms of process but also more in the cultural way.

That is why I argue that breakthroughs are about connecting. Between people. Between now and later. Between small deeds and big systems. And especially the latter is difficult... That we do not approach all parts separately, but that we will see what is not immediately visible: the underlying superstructure. The system that holds everything together and sets it in motion. You have to recognise those patterns to really realise change. so... Making a difference starts with seeing the difference!

We live in such a transition. As organisations, in healthcare, but also in the world. A worldwide rite of passage. It is up to us to experiment with small interventions, to further shape the 'new world' together in the middle of that transition. Small interventions with a big impact. That's why we do it. One breakthrough at the time.